Cellulosic Staple Fiber and Its Use

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the use of a multilobal cellulosic staple fiber as a filling fiber. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cellulosic staple fiber which is characterized in that 
     the cross-section of the fiber has three or more lobes 
     the titer of the fiber is 1.0 to 30 dtex, preferably more than 3.0 dtex, especially more than 5.0 dtex, preferably 5.6 to 10 dtex, especially preferred more than 6.0 dtex, especially 6.3 to 10 dtex 
     the wet modulus of the fiber fulfils the following formula: 
     Wet modulus (cN/tex)≧0.5*√T wherein T is the titer of the fiber in dtex 
     the breaking strength of the fiber in the conditioned state fulfils the following formula: 
     Breaking Strength (cN/tex)≧1.3*√T+2*T wherein T is the titer of the fiber in dtex.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Title 35, United States Code,Section 120 as a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/810,522 filed Jun. 6,2008 and a continuation of International Patent Application No.PCT/AT2005/000493, filed on Dec. 7, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of filling materials fortextile objects such as duvets, cushions, pillows, mattresses, fleecesfor upholstery, clothing and the like, and to materials which areespecially useful therefor.

It is known that filling materials for textile objects must meet specialrequirements. Especially, high bulk with a low density at the same time,and suitable properties with regard to heat insulation, moistureadsorption and moisture transport are desired.

WO 99/16705 proposes a filling material consisting of a non-wovenmixture of polyester fibers and Lyocell fibers. Lyocell fibers arecellulosic fibers which are spun from a solution of cellulose in anaqueous tertiary amine oxide, especially N-methyl-N-morpholine-N-oxide(NMMO).

EP 1 067 227 A1 discloses a mixed fiber fleece of polyester fibers andviscose fibers as a filling material.

The known filling materials, be it that they consist of one single fibertype or of fiber mixtures, or of mixtures of fibers with othermaterials, e.g. down, are still not fully satisfactory with regard totheir properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filling materialwhich excellently fulfils the requirements that are to be met by suchmaterials.

This object is achieved according to one aspect with a cellulosic staplefiber according to independent claim 1.

In a further aspect, this object is achieved by the use of a multilobalcellulosic staple fiber, and, especially, by the use of the cellulosicstaple fiber according to the present invention, as a filling material.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a filling materialcontaining a multilobal cellulosic staple fiber, especially thecellulosic staple fiber according to the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in thedependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows fiber cross-sections of exemplary multilobal fibers made inaccordance with the invention as described in Example 1 below.

FIG. 2 shows fiber cross-sections of exemplary multilobal fibers made inaccordance with the invention as described in Example 3 below.

FIG. 3 shows fiber cross-sections of exemplary multilobal fibers made inaccordance with the invention as described in Example 4 below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the discovery that multilobalcellulosic staple fibers are excellently suitable as a filling fiber forvarious textile uses, especially for duvets, cushions, pillows,mattresses, fleeces for upholstery, clothing and the like.

By “multilobal” cellulosic staple fibers, fibers are to be understoodthe cross-section of which exhibits three or more lobes. Such fibers canbe produced by spinning a cellulose spinning solution throughspinnerets, the openings of which exhibit three or more lobes having aratio between length and width of the lobes of preferably 2:1 or more,respectively. The fibers thus produced exhibit a cross-section which,throughout the plurality of fibers, is substantially the same.

A process for the production of multilobal cellulosic staple fibers isdescribed, for example, in EP-A 0 301 874. However, this document solelydiscloses the use of such fibers for absorbent products, such as e.g.tampons.

A further process for the manufacture of cellulosic staple fibers byspinning a spinning solution through a spinneret with multi-lobedopenings is disclosed in WO 04/85720.

JP-A 61-113812 as well as Treiber E., Chemiefasern 5 (1967), 344-348(“Verzug, Verstreckung and Querschnittsmodifizierung beimViskosespinnen”) disclose the manufacture of cellulosic (endless)filaments by spinning a spinning solution through a spinneret withmulti-lobed openings. The properties of (endless) filaments arepronouncedly different from those of staple fibers, especially withregard to the crimping properties.

It can be shown that multilobal cellulosic staple fibers possess aspectrum of properties which renders them particularly useful as afilling material. Especially, fibers of this kind exhibit a highflexural stiffness, high bulk, high rebound capacity and a high waterabsorption capacity.

Preferably the titer of the multilobal cellulosic staple fiber usedaccording to the present invention is 1.0 to 30 dtex, preferably morethan 3.0 dtex, especially more than 5.0 dtex, preferably 5.6 to 10 dtex,especially preferred more than 6.0 dtex, especially 6.3 to 10 dtex.

The suitable range of titers in each case depends on the envisaged useof the filling material. When used as a filling fiber for clothing,rather a lower decitex in the range of 1 dtex to 5 dtex, preferablyabout 3 dtex to 4 dtex, is advantageous. A typical titer for textileapplications is in the range of about 3.3 dtex.

In the field of filling material for duvets, cushions, and the like, atiter in the range of from more than 5.0 dtex to 10 dtex is preferred.Here, a typical titer lies in the range of about 6.7 dtex.

Particularly useful as a filling fiber is a cellulosic staple fiber,which is characterized in that

the cross-section of the fiber has three or more lobes

the titer of the fiber is 1.0 to 30 dtex, preferably more than 3.0 dtex,especially more than 5.0 dtex, preferably 5.6 to 10 dtex, especiallypreferred more than 6.0 dtex, especially 6.3 to 10 dtex

the wet modulus of the fiber fulfils the following formula:

Wet modulus (cN/tex)≧0.5*√T wherein T is the titer of the fiber in dtex

the breaking strength of the fiber in the conditioned state fulfils thefollowing formula:

Breaking Strength (cN/tex)≧1.3*√T+2*T wherein T is the titer of thefiber in dtex.

A fiber having this combination of features has not yet been disclosedin the state of the art.

This multilobal cellulosic staple fiber is a so-called “Modal” fiber.The term “Modal fiber” is a generic name by which according to thedefinition of BISFA (Bureau for the International Standardization ofMan-Made-Fibers) a cellulosic fiber with a high wet tenacity and a highwet modulus (i.e. the force which is required to elongate the fiber inthe wet condition by 5%) is to be understood.

The multilobal cellulosic staple fiber according to the presentinvention possesses a spectrum of properties which excellently fulfilsthe requirements which are to be met by a filling fiber. Especially thehigher flexural stiffness as compared with common Modal fibers is to bementioned. For example, a common Modal fiber with a titer of 6.5 dtexexhibits a flexural stiffness of 0.35 mN mm²/tex², whereas a multilobalModal fiber according to the present invention exhibits, with the sametiter, a flexural stiffness of 0.44 mN mm²/tex².

The flexural stiffness is measured by a method developed by theapplicant. The measured value is displayed as the relation of thegradient of the force to path over a linear measuring range, based onthe titer.

In order to carry out the measurement, a conditioned fiber is clampedinto a clamping bar and cut with a cutting device to a length of exactly5 mm. The clamping bar is moved upwardly at constant speed by anelectric gear. Thereby, the fiber is pressed onto a small sensor platewhich is adapted to a force sensor. The stiffer the fiber, the higher isthe measured force.

Due to the lack of possibilities to calibrate, no effective force isgiven for the calculation of the flexural stiffness. However, it ispossible to make a relative comparison of fibers in a specifiedmeasuring range. Thereby, the gradient is measured in a linear measuringrange of the measured force over the path and related to the titer ofthe fiber.

In the cellulosic staple fiber according to the present invention, thenumeric relation between area F of the fiber cross-section and theperimeter U of the fiber cross-section is preferably from 1.7:1 to3.5:1. In this embodiment, the lobes of the fiber cross-section arecomparatively thicker and shorter. The numeric relation between the areaof the cross-section of the fiber and the perimeter of the fiber can bedetermined by software-based calculation from a micro-photograph of thefiber cross-section.

In a further preferred embodiment, the area of the fiber cross-sectionis larger by a factor of 2.30-fold or more, preferably 2.50-fold ormore, especially preferred 2.70-fold and more, than the area of thelargest equilateral triangle which is inscribed into said cross-section.This resembles a more distinct development of the form of the lobes ofthe fiber. The ratio between the area of the fiber cross-section and thearea of the largest equilateral triangle that can be inscribed, isdetermined by the method which is described in detail in WO 04/85720.This ratio is, in the following, referred to as the “Delta-factor”.

It can be shown that the multilobal Modal staple fibers according to theinvention exhibit a very high water absorption capacity.

Preferably, the fiber according to the invention exhibits a Synginaabsorption capacity of more than 6.0 g/g, preferably 6.5 g/g or more,especially preferred 6.8 g/g and more.

The Syngina absorption capacity is calculated according to the testmethod disclosed in WO 04/85720.

If the absorption capacity is determined according to the EDANA testmethod ERT 350.0-02, values of 4.5 g/g and more are achieved.

For the use of the cellulosic staple fiber as a filling fiber it is,furthermore, advantageous, if the fiber exhibits on its surface asubstance increasing the slippage, especially silicone. Such substancescan be applied in a manner known per se during the fiber production inthe baths of the after-treatment and finishing steps. An amount of thesubstance increasing the slippage, especially of silicone, from 0.3weight % to 3.0 weight %, based on the weight of the fiber, isadvantageous.

The multilobal Modal fiber according to the invention is not onlysuitable as a filling fiber but can also be used for other textileapplications, such as e.g. for yarns and the like, in the common titerrange of from 1.0 dtex to 5.0 dtex. Thereby, voluminous and bulky yarnscan be produced, for example. These yarns are characterized by anincreased air lock, an improved area coverage, a better moisturetransport and an increased heat insulation.

The cellulosic staple fiber according to the invention, furthermore, isoutstandingly useful as a material for carpets or carpeted floors. Inthis case, the titer range of the fiber is preferably about 6.0 dtex ormore.

A process for the production of Modal fibers not having a lobalcross-section is known e.g. from AT 287.905 B. If, when carrying outsuch a process, a spinneret with multilobal, preferably trilobalopenings is used, the multilobal Modal fibers according to the inventioncan be produced. Preferably, spinnerets with openings the lobes of whichhave a ratio of length to width of lower than 3:1 are used.

The filling material which can be obtained by using a multilobalcellulosic staple fiber, especially the multilobal Modal fiber accordingto the invention, may be present in the form of a fleece, a fiberball, awadding, or in other forms known to the skilled artisan.

In a preferred embodiment, the filling material according to theinvention essentially consists of the multilobal cellulosic staplefiber.

For many applications, however, the use of several components, i.e. themultilobal cellulosic staple fiber on the one hand, and furthermaterials, such as e.g. further fibers and/or further filling componentson the other hand is suitable as a filling material.

The fiber which can be used as the further component may preferably beselected from the group consisting of synthetic fibers, especiallypolyester fibers, polyacrylic fibers, polyamide fibers, polylactatefibers; natural fibers, especially cotton, kapok, bast fibers, sisal,silk; man-made cellulosic fibers, especially viscose fibers, Modalfibers, Lyocell fibers; and/or animal hair, especially sheep wool,horsehair, rabbit wool, camel hair and cashmere.

As a further component, not being in fiber form, a material of the groupconsisting of down and feathers may be selected.

Polyester fibers and/or down are especially preferred as the furthercomponents for the filling material according to the invention.

If several components are used, the multilobal cellulosic staple fiberis preferably present in an amount of from 20 weight % to 90 weight %,based on the whole filling material.

If several components are used as a filling material, the skilledartisan is aware of various assemblies:

First, the components may be present mixed with another as a so-called“intimate mixture”.

Furthermore, assemblies are known which are composed of variousfleece-like layers. The multilobal cellulosic staple fiber (as a purematerial or, again, mixed with another component) is used in at leastone of these fleece-like layers.

In the filling material according to the invention, the multilobalcellulosic staple fiber may also be used in a modified form, e.g.inherently flame-retardant by incorporation of a flame-retardant agent(such as Exolit® 5060 by Messrs. Clariant), aftertreatment with aflame-retardant agent or otherwise modified in a flame-retardantfashion. In this regard, it is advantageous to form so-calledcellulose/clay nanocomposites wherein the clay component of saidnanocomposite comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofunmodified clays and modified clays, such as hydrophobically orhydrophilically modified clays. The clay component may preferablycomprise a montmorillonite or a modified or unmodified hectorite clay.

The multilobal cellulosic staple fiber may, furthermore, be modified bya compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan andchitosonium polymers. Especially, it is advantageous to modify the fiberby coating the fiber with chitosan. The use of chitosonium polymers tomodify Lyocell fibers is known from WO 2004/007818.

Multilobal cellulosic staple fibers modified with chitosan or achitosonium polymer exhibit the known properties of chitosan, i.e.antimicrobial activity, positive influence on wound healing, odourrepressive properties and antiallergenic properties, rendering thesefibers especially useful as a filling material.

The invention is described in more detail by way of the followingnonlimiting working examples and the figures.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Viscose pulp with an R18-content of 93% was alkalized with mashing lyecontaining 240 g/l sodium hydroxide under stirring at 35° C. Addition ofthe pulp and discharging of the slurry were performed continuously via apump. The slurry was pressed off to a fleece of alkalized cellulosecontaining 33% cellulose and 17% sodium hydroxide.

The fleece of alkalized cellulose was shredded. The alkalized cellulosewas ripened at a temperature of 30° C., so that the copper viscosity ofthe cellulose was 16 mPa·s before sulfidizing. By addition of 38% CS₂,based on cellulose, sulfidation was performed in a sulfidation plant at28° C. for two hours while circulating the mass. The xanthogenate wasdissolved with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a viscose with 6.1%cellulose, 6.5% NaOH and 36% CS₂, based on cellulose.

The viscose was filtered three times and de-aerated. 1 hour beforespinning 3.0%, based on cellulose, of a modifying agent (ethoxylatedamines) effecting a mantle structure were added to the viscose. Theviscose was ripened to a spinning gamma value of 57. Viscosity duringspinning was 80 ball-fall seconds. The viscose was spun on a commercialspinning device through spinnerets with 625 trilobal holes, each having3 lobes of 72×33 μm (ratio of length to width:2.18), into a spinningbath having the following composition:

70 g/l sulfuric acid

90 g/l sodium sulfate

55 g/l zinc sulfate

Temperature of the spin bath was 40° C. The coagulated and partlyregenerated filament strand, which had a pale yellowish colour, was ledover a first godet (G1) into a second bath, the temperature of which was95° C., and was stretched there between G1 and a second godet (G2) by75%. The final draw-off speed was 20 m/min.

The spinning tow was cut to staples with a length of 60 mm, which thenwere fully regenerated in diluted sulfuric acid, thereafter washed withhot water until they were acid-free, desulfurized with dilute sodiumlye, again washed, bleached with dilute sodium hypochlorite solution,again washed, finished with a silicone emulsion, pressed off and dried.

The fibers, having a titer of 6.8 dtex, had the following properties:

Fiber tenacity (conditioned state): 29 cN/tex Fiber tenacity (wetstate): 17 cN/tex Elongation (conditioned): 16% Elongation (wet): 18%Wet modulus: 3.75 cN/tex/5% Syngina-Value (test method according to 7.0g/g WO 04/85720): Water retention capacity: 62% Ratio of area of fibercross-section to fiber 2.1:1 cross-section perimeter: Delta-factor: 2.6

FIG. 1 shows fiber cross-sections of the fibers spun according toexample 1.

Example 2

An eucalyptus pulp with an R18-content of 97.5% was alkalized withmashing lye containing 220 g/l sodium hydroxide under stirring at 50° C.Further treatment of the slurry and sulfidation were performed in thesame manner as described in example 1. The xanthogenate was dissolvedwith a dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a viscose with 6.3%cellulose, 6.2% NaOH and 36% CS₂, based on cellulose.

Further treatment of the viscose was performed in the same manner asdescribed in example 1. The viscose was spun on a commercial spinningdevice through spinnerets with 625 trilobal holes, each having 3 lobesof 72×33 μm (ratio of length to width:2.18) into a spinning bath havingthe following composition:

72 g/l sulfuric acid

90 g/l sodium sulfate

53 g/l zinc sulfate

Temperature of the spin bath was 42° C. Further treatment of the spunfilaments was performed in the same manner as described in example 1.

The fibers, having a titer of 7.6 dtex, had the following properties:

Fiber tenacity (conditioned state): 30 cN/tex Fiber tenacity (wetstate): 19 cN/tex Elongation (conditioned): 17% Elongation (wet): 20%Wet modulus: 3.5 cN/tex/5% Syngina-Value (test method according to 6.8g/g WO 04/85720): Water retention capacity: 61% Ratio of area of fibercross-section to fiber 1.9:1 cross-section perimeter: Delta-factor: 2.55

Example 3

A hardwood pulp with an R18-content of 94% was alkalized with mashinglye containing 220 g/l sodium hydroxide under stirring at 45° C. Furthertreatment of the slurry and sulfidation were performed in the samemanner as described in example 1. The xanthogenate was dissolved with adilute sodium hydroxide solution to a viscose with 5.9% cellulose, 6.1%NaOH and 36% CS2, based on cellulose.

Further treatment of the viscose was performed in the same manner asdescribed in example 1. The viscose was spun on a commercial spinningdevice through spinnerets with 625 trilobal holes, each having 3 lobesof 70×30 μm (ratio of length to width:2.33) into a spinning bath havingthe following composition:

68 g/l sulfuric acid

95 g/l sodium sulfate

55 g/l zinc sulfate

Temperature of the spin bath was 37° C. Further treatment of the spunfilaments was performed in the same manner as described in example 1.

The fibers, having a titer of 6.1 dtex, had the following properties:

Fiber tenacity (conditioned state): 30 cN/tex Fiber tenacity (wetstate): 19 cN/tex Elongation (conditioned): 18% Elongation (wet): 20%Wet modulus: 4.1 cN/tex/5% Syngina-Value (test method according to 6.85g/g WO 04/85720): Water retention capacity: 62% Ratio of area of fibercross-section to fiber 2.5:1 cross-section perimeter: Delta-factor: 2.8

FIG. 2 shows fiber cross-sections of the fibers spun according toexample 3.

Example 4

An eucalyptus pulp with an R18-content of 97.5% was alkalized withmashing lye containing 220 g/l sodium hydroxide under stirring at 50° C.Further treatment of the slurry and sulfidation were performed in thesame manner as described in example 1. The xanthogenate was dissolvedwith a dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a viscose with 6.1%cellulose, 6.2% NaOH and 36% CS2, based on cellulose.

Further treatment of the viscose was performed in the same manner asdescribed in example 1. The viscose was spun on a commercial spinningdevice through spinnerets with 625 trilobal holes, each having 3 lobesof 70×30 μm (ratio of length to width:2.33) into a spinning bath havingthe following composition:

72 g/l sulfuric acid

95 g/l sodium sulfate

53 g/l zinc sulfate

Temperature of the spin bath was 42° C. Further treatment of the spunfilaments was performed in the same manner as described in example 1.

The fibers, having a titer of 3.3 dtex, had the following properties:

Fiber tenacity (conditioned state): 27 cN/tex Fiber tenacity (wetstate): 18 cN/tex Elongation (conditioned): 10% Elongation (wet): 12%Wet modulus: 6.5 cN/tex/5% Syngina-Value (test method according to 6.3g/g WO 04/85720): Water retention capacity: 74% Ratio of area of fibercross-section to fiber 2.6:1 cross-section perimeter: Delta-factor: 2.6

FIG. 3 shows fiber cross-sections of the fibers spun according toexample 4.

Example 5

Using a trilobal Modal staple fiber produced according to example 1,fleeces were produced which were used as a filling material for duvets.

Thereby,

a) a fleece of 100% of the fiber produced according to example 1

b) a fleece of 70% of the fiber produced according to example 1 and 30%polyester fiber

c) a fleece of 50% of the fiber produced according to example 1 and 50%polyester fiber were produced.

In all cases the fleeces had excellent evenness.

1. Cellulosic staple fiber, characterized in that the cross-section ofthe fiber has three or more lobes the titer of the fiber is 1.0 to 30dtex, preferably more than 3.0 dtex, especially more than 5.0 dtex,preferably 5.6 to 10 dtex, especially preferred more than 6.0 dtex,especially 6.3 to 10 dtex the wet modulus of the fiber fulfils thefollowing formula: Wet modulus (cN/tex)≧0.5*√T wherein T is the titer ofthe fiber in dtex the breaking strength of the fiber in the conditionedstate fulfils the following formula: Breaking Strength(cN/tex)≧1.3*√T+2*T wherein T is the titer of the fiber in dtex. 2.Cellulosic staple fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that thenumeric relation between area F of the fiber cross-section and theperimeter U of the fiber cross-section is preferably from 1.7:1 to3.5:1.
 3. Cellulosic staple fiber according to claim 1 or 2,characterized in that the area of the fiber cross-section is higher by afactor of 2.30-fold or more, preferably 2.50-fold or more, especiallypreferred 2.70-fold and more, than the area of the largest equilateraltriangle which is inscribed in this cross-section.
 4. Cellulosic staplefiber according to one of claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that theSyngina absorption capacity of the fiber is more than 6.0 g/g,preferably 6.5 g/g or more, especially preferred 6.8 g/g and more. 5.Cellulosic staple fiber according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the fiber exhibits on its surface a substanceincreasing the slippage, especially silicone.
 6. Cellulosic staple fiberaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thefiber is modified by a compound selected from the group consisting ofchitosan and chitosonium polymers.
 7. Cellulosic staple fiber accordingto one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fiber ismodified by a flame-retardant agent, preferably a modified or unmodifiedclay.
 8. Use of a multilobal cellulosic staple fiber as a filling fiber.9. Use according to claim 8 as a filling fiber for duvets, cushions,pillows, mattresses, fleeces for upholstery, clothing and the like. 10.Use according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the titer of themultilobal cellulosic staple fiber is 1.0 to 30 dtex, preferably morethan 3.0 dtex, especially more than 5.0 dtex, preferably 5.6 to 10 dtex,especially preferred more than 6.0 dtex, especially 6.3 to 10 dtex. 11.Use according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that thecellulosic staple fiber is modified by a compound selected from thegroup consisting of chitosan and chitosonium polymers.
 12. Use accordingto any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the cellulosic staplefiber is modified by a flame-retardant agent, preferably a modified orunmodified clay.
 13. Use according to any of claims 8 to 12,characterized in that a cellulosic staple fiber according to any ofclaims 1 to 7 is used.
 14. Filling material for duvets, cushions,pillows, mattresses, fleeces for upholstery, clothing and the like,containing a multilobal cellulosic staple fiber.
 15. Filling materialaccording to claim 14, characterized in that the titer of the multilobalcellulosic staple fiber is 1.0 to 30 dtex, preferably more than 3.0dtex, especially more than 5.0 dtex, preferably 5.6 to 10 dtex,especially preferred more than 6.0 dtex, especially 6.3 to 10 dtex. 16.Filling material according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that themultilobal cellulosic staple fiber is modified by a compound selectedfrom the group consisting of chitosan and chitosonium polymers. 17.Filling material according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterized inthat the multilobal cellulosic staple fiber is modified by aflame-retardant agent, preferably a modified or unmodified clay. 18.Filling material according to any of claims 14 to 17, characterized inthat a cellulosic staple fiber according to any of claims 1 to 7 isused.
 19. Filling material according to any of claims 14 to 18,especially in the form of a fleece, characterized in that it consistsessentially of the multilobal cellulosic staple fiber.
 20. Fillingmaterial according to any of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that itcontains additionally a further fiber and/or a further fillingcomponent.
 21. Filling material according to claim 20, characterized inthat the further fiber and/or component is selected from the groupconsisting of synthetic fibers, especially polyester fibers, polyacrylicfibers, polyamide fibers, polylactate fibers; natural fibers, especiallycotton, kapok, bast fibers, sisal, silk; man-made cellulosic fibers,especially viscose fibers, Modal fibers, Lyocell fibers; and/or animalhair, especially sheep wool, horsehair, rabbit wool, camel hair andcashmere.
 22. Filling material according to claim 20 or 21,characterized in that the further filling component is selected from thegroup consisting of down and feathers.
 23. Filling material according toany of claims 14 to 22 in the form of a fibre ball.
 24. Filling materialaccording to any of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that it iscomposed of various fleece-like layers, wherein at least one of saidlayers contains the multilobal cellulosic staple fiber.